Are you ready for a shocking statistic? The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research recently reported that nearly 25% of children between the ages of 2 and 11 have untreated cavities. Yikes! The reality is that from the moment your child’s first tooth emerges, they are vulnerable to a phenomenon called “baby bottle tooth decay.” Don’t worry though – there are several ways you can help keep their smile cavity-free throughout the years. To learn what they are, keep reading!
What Is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?
As you may have guessed from the name, baby bottle tooth decay is when a child’s teeth develop cavities due to prolonged exposure to drinks that contain sugar. After all, fruit juices, formula, and breast milk all contain sugar! Fortunately, there are several things you can do to help prevent this phenomenon.
7 Tips for a Decay-Free Smile Throughout the Years
To help keep your child’s teeth decay-free, there are several things you can do:
- Instead of giving them a bottle of milk to sleep with, try offering water.
- If they prefer milk before bed, wipe down their gums after they finish eating.
- Avoid dipping their pacifier in sugar or honey.
- As soon as your child’s first tooth emerges, use a small toothbrush to clean it.
- As soon as two teeth come in next to each other, start flossing.
- Provide them with foods and drinks that are low in sugar.
- Supervise their oral hygiene regimen until they are able to do so properly on their own (usually around age 6 or 7).
When Should a Child Begin Seeing the Dentist?
As a parent, you know that biannual dental checkups and cleanings are important, but when should they begin? The answer is when your child’s first tooth emerges or by their first birthday. This will allow a pediatric dentist to take a look at their teeth, ensure everything is developing normally, and answer any questions you have. In the beginning, these visits will be short and sweet. As your child’s smile develops, the appointments will become more involved.
Tooth decay is prevalent, but it’s also preventable! To keep your child’s teeth decay-free, avoid putting them to bed with a bottle and bring them in for their first dental visit by age 1.
About the Practice
Simply Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is proud to offer a wide range of kid-friendly treatments. In fact, we have a pediatric dentist and an orthodontist on our team! From your child’s first checkup to the time they need braces, we’re here to ensure your little one has a healthy, happy, and thriving smile. If you’d like to learn more about baby bottle tooth decay or need to schedule a visit for your child, then we encourage you to get in touch with our team via our website or by phone at (978) 612-6222.